City of Rockingham secures near $424k grant to aid in local bushfire safety

In a big boost to bushfire safety, the City of Rockingham have secured a State Government grant to help deliver bushfire mitigation works at 21 sites across the city. The $423,770 grant was obtained through the first round of the State’s 2022/2023 Bushfire Mitigation Activity Fund, which is open to local governments with an endorsed Bushfire Risk Management Plan. Nearly 127ha of bushland will be treated to reduce fire risks in several locations including Baldivis, Karnup, Singleton, Secret Harbour, East Rockingham, Hillman and Safety Bay. The funding boost will also see more planned burning, removal of dead vegetation, tree pruning and weed control. Mayor Deb Hamblin said the City’s efforts to proactively reduce the threat of bushfires were guided by the City’s Bushfire Risk Management Plan. “Our city is home to a number of bushfire-prone areas and it is vital that mitigation works are carried out during the cooler months of the year to reduce the risk to the community,” Ms Hamblin said. “The City targets specific vulnerabilities and areas of high risk that could contribute towards the spread of bushfire. This includes locations that are close to homes and key infrastructure. “Co-ordinating well-managed mitigation activities is crucial to protecting the community, environment, wildlife and ecosystems.” To reduce bushfire risk in the community, residents are urged to ensure that their property is compliant with the city’s latest Fire Control Notice.